Region’s diversity is revealed

The diversity of the Sheffield City region’s manufacturing capabilities are clear to see from the spread of companies ranked as the most profitable in the region.

Sheffield-based stainless steel produced Outokumpu heads the regional rankings, just ahead of Russian-owned Radius Systems, the Alfreton-based manufacturer and installer of plastic pipes and fittings for the gas, water and sewage sectors and ducting for telecoms services.

The importance of recycling as a major manufacturing activity in the region is emphasised by the presence of Europe’s largest single site producer of recycled lead, Darley Dale-based HJ Enthoven, which also recycles polypropylene for a range of uses.

Food’s place in the manufacturing sector is emphasised by the presence of Greencore.

The convenience foods, food ingredients and agrifoods business tops the rankings of Chesterfield’s most profitable manufacturers this year.

Meanwhile, AES Engineering secures fifth place for Rotherham and for another facet of manufacturing, hi-tech engineering.

AES also emphasises the role that manufacturing plays in bolstering the UK’s balance of payments.

The company has grown to become the world’s fourth largest mechanical seal manufacturer, since it was founded 30 years ago and today operates from 230 locations worldwide, supplying customers in 104 countries, and employing a global network of sales engineers and technical support specialists.

Sheffield firms predominate in the rankings of the most profitable Top 100 Manufacturers.